. 5 54 CHAPTER 50

50
544
• The bacteria causing UTIs usually originate from bowel flora of the host.
• UTIs can be acquired via three possible routes: the ascending, hematogenous, or lymphatic pathways.
• In females, the short length of the urethra and proximity to the perirectal
area make colonization of the urethra likely. Bacteria are then believed to
enter the bladder from the urethra. Once in the bladder, the organisms
multiply quickly and can ascend the ureters to the kidney.
• Three factors determine the development of UTI: the size of the inoculum,
virulence of the microorganism, and competency of the natural host
defense mechanisms.
• Patients who are unable to void urine completely are at greater risk of
developing UTIs and frequently have recurrent infections.
• An important virulence factor of bacteria is their ability to adhere to urinary
epithelial cells by fimbriae, resulting in colonization of the urinary tract,
bladder infections, and pyelonephritis. Other virulence factors include hemolysin, a cytotoxic protein produced by bacteria that lyses a wide range of cells
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
• Infections of the urinary tract represent a wide variety of clinical syndromes, including urethritis, cystitis, prostatitis, and pyelonephritis.
• A urinary tract infection (UTI) is defined as the presence of microorganisms in the urine that cannot be accounted for by contamination. The
organisms have the potential to invade the tissues of the urinary tract and
adjacent structures.
• Lower tract infections include cystitis (bladder), urethritis (urethra),
prostatitis (prostate gland), and epididymitis. Upper tract infections (such
as pyelonephritis) involve the kidney and are referred to as pyelonephritis.
• Uncomplicated UTIs are not associated with structural or neurologic
abnormalities that may interfere with the normal flow of urine or the
voiding mechanism. Complicated UTIs are the result of a predisposing
lesion of the urinary tract such as a congenital abnormality or distortion of
the urinary tract, a stone, indwelling catheter, prostatic hypertrophy,
obstruction, or neurologic deficit that interferes with the normal flow of
urine and urinary tract defenses.
• Recurrent UTIs are characterized by multiple symptomatic episodes with
asymptomatic periods occurring between these episodes. These infections
are either due to reinfection or to relapse.
• Reinfections are caused by a different organism and account for the
majority of recurrent UTIs.
• Relapse represents the development of repeated infections caused by the
same initial organism.
DEFINITION
Urinary Tract Infections
and Prostatitis
CHAP T E R
545
Clinical Presentation of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Adults
Signs and symptoms
Lower UTI: Dysuria, urgency, frequency, nocturia, suprapubic heaviness
Gross hematuria
Upper UTI: Flank pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, malaise
Physical examination
Upper UTI: Costovertebral tenderness
Laboratory tests
Bacteriuria
Pyuria (white blood cell count >10/mm3 )
Nitrite-positive urine (with nitrite reducers)
Leukocyte esterase-positive urine
Antibody-coated bacteria (upper UTI)
TABLE 50-1
• The typical symptoms of lower and upper UTIs are presented in Table 50-1.
• Symptoms alone are unreliable for the diagnosis of bacterial UTIs. The key
to the diagnosis of a UTI is the ability to demonstrate significant numbers
of microorganisms present in an appropriate urine specimen to distinguish contamination from infection.
• Elderly patients frequently do not experience specific urinary symptoms,
but they will present with altered mental status, change in eating habits, or
GI symptoms.
• A standard urinalysis should be obtained in the initial assessment of a patient.
Microscopic examination of the urine should be performed by preparation of
a Gram stain of unspun or centrifuged urine. The presence of at least one
organism per oil-immersion field in a properly collected uncentrifuged
specimen correlates with more than 100,000 bacteria/mL of urine.
• Criteria for defining significant bacteriuria are listed in Table 50-2.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION
• The most common cause of uncomplicated UTIs is E. coli, accounting for
more than 85% of community-acquired infections, followed by Staphylococcus saprophyticus (coagulase-negative staphylococcus), accounting for
5% to 15%.
• The urinary pathogens in complicated or nosocomial infections may
include E. coli, which accounts for less than 50% of these infections, Proteus
spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
staphylococci, and enterococci. Candida spp. have become common causes
of urinary infection in the critically ill and chronically catheterized patient.
• The majority of UTIs are caused by a single organism; however, in patients
with stones, indwelling urinary catheters, or chronic renal abscesses,
multiple organisms may be isolated.
MICROBIOLOGY
including erythrocytes, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and monocytes; and
aerobactin, which facilitates the binding and uptake of iron by Escherichia coli.
Urinary Tract Infections and Prostatitis | CHAPTER 50
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546
• The ability to eradicate bacteria from the urinary tract is directly related to
the sensitivity of the organism and the achievable concentration of the
antimicrobial agent in the urine.
• The therapeutic management of UTIs is best accomplished by first categorizing the type of infection: acute uncomplicated cystitis, symptomatic
abacteriuria, asymptomatic bacteriuria, complicated UTIs, recurrent
infections, or prostatitis.
• Table 50-3 lists the most common agents used in the treatment of UTIs,
along with comments concerning their general use.
PHARMACOLOGIC TREATMENT
• The management of a patient with a UTI includes initial evaluation, selection
of an antibacterial agent and duration of therapy, and follow-up evaluation.
• The initial selection of an antimicrobial agent for the treatment of UTI is
primarily based on the severity of the presenting signs and symptoms, the
site of infection, and whether the infection is determined to be complicated
or uncomplicated.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
• The goals of treatment for UTIs are to prevent or treat systemic consequences of infection, eradicate the invading organism, and prevent recurrence of infection.
DESIRED OUTCOME
TREATMENT
• The presence of pyuria (more than 10 white blood cells/mm3) in a
symptomatic patient correlates with significant bacteriuria.
• The nitrite test can be used to detect the presence of nitrate-reducing
bacteria in the urine (such as E. coli). The leukocyte esterase test is a rapid
dipstick test to detect pyuria.
• The most reliable method of diagnosing UTIs is by quantitative urine
culture. Patients with infection usually have more than 105 bacteria/mL of
urine, although as many as one-third of women with symptomatic infection have less than 105 bacteria/mL.
• A method to detect upper UTI is the antibody-coated bacteria test, an
immunofluorescent method that detects bacteria coated with immunoglobulin in freshly voided urine.
CFU, colony forming unit.
Carbapenems
Imipenem-cilastatin
Meropenem
Ertapenem
Azithromycin
Fosfomycin
Parenteral therapy
Aminoglycosides
Gentamicin
Tobramycin
Amikacin
Penicillins
Ampicillin
Ampicillin-sulbactam
Ticarcillin-clavulanate
Piperacillintazobactam
Cephalosporins, first-,
second-, and thirdgeneration
Penicillins
Ampicillin
Amoxicillinclavulanic acid
Cephalosporins
Cephalexin
Cefaclor
Cefadroxil
Cefuroxime
Cefixime
Cefzil
Cefpodoxime
Tetracyclines
Tetracycline
Doxycycline
Minocycline
Fluoroquinolones
Ciprofloxacin
Norfloxacin
Levofloxacin
Nitrofurantoin
Oral therapy
Sulfonamides
Trimethoprim–
sulfamethoxazole
Agent
547
Second- and third-generation cephalosporins have a broad spectrum of
activity against gram-negative bacteria but are not active against enterococci
and have limited activity against P. aeruginosa. Ceftazidime and cefepime
are active against P. aeruginosa. They are useful for nosocomial infections
and urosepsis due to susceptible pathogens.
These agents have broad spectrum of activity, including gram-positive, gramnegative, and anaerobic bacteria. Imipenem and meropenem are active
against P. aeruginosa and enterococci, but ertapenem is not. All may be
associated with candidal superinfections.
(continued)
Gentamicin and tobramycin are equally effective; gentamicin is less expensive. Tobramycin has better pseudomonal activity, which may be important
in serious systemic infections. Amikacin generally is reserved for multiresistant bacteria.
These agents generally are equally effective for susceptible bacteria. The
extended-spectrum penicillins are more active against P. aeruginosa and
enterococci and often are preferred over cephalosporins. They are very useful
in renally impaired patients or when an aminoglycoside is to be avoided.
The newer quinolones have a greater spectrum of activity, including P.
aeruginosa. These agents are effective for pyelonephritis and prostatitis.
Avoid in pregnancy and children. Moxifloxacin should not be used owing
to inadequate urinary concentrations.
This agent is effective as both a therapeutic and prophylactic agent in patients
with recurrent UTIs. Main advantage is the lack of resistance even after long
courses of therapy. Adverse effects may limit use (GI intolerance, neuropathies, pulmonary reactions).
Single-dose therapy for chlamydial infections.
Single-dose therapy for uncomplicated infections.
These agents have been effective for initial episodes of UTIs; however,
resistance develops rapidly, and their use is limited. These agents also lead
to candidal overgrowth. They are useful primarily for chlamydial infections.
These agents generally have been replaced by more agents due to resistance.
This combination is highly effective against most aerobic enteric bacteria
except Pseudomonas aeruginosa. High urinary tract tissue levels and urine
levels are achieved, which may be important in complicated infection
treatment. Also effective as prophylaxis for recurrent infections.
Ampicillin is the standard penicillin that has broad-spectrum activity. Increasing Escherichia coli resistance has limited amoxicillin use in acute cystitis.
Drug of choice for enterococci sensitive to penicillin. Amoxicillin-clavulanate
is preferred for resistance problems.
There are no major advantages of these agents over other agents in the
treatment of UTIs, and they are more expensive. They may be useful in
cases of resistance to amoxicillin and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole.
These agents are not active against enterococci.
Comments
Commonly Used Antimicrobial Agents in the
Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
TABLE 50-3
Diagnostic Criteria for Significant Bacteriuria
5
Urinary Tract Infections and Prostatitis | CHAPTER 50
Infectious Diseases
≥10 CFU coliforms/mL or ≥10 CFU noncoliforms/mL in a symptomatic female
≥103 CFU bacteria/mL in a symptomatic male
≥105 CFU bacteria/mL in asymptomatic individuals on two consecutive specimens
Any growth of bacteria on suprapubic catheterization in a symptomatic patient
≥102 CFU bacteria/mL in a catheterized patient
2
TABLE 50-2
SECTION 8
|
A monobactam that is only active against gram-negative bacteria, including
some strains of P. aeruginosa. Generally useful for nosocomial infections
when aminoglycosides are to be avoided and in penicillin-sensitive patients.
These agents have broad-spectrum activity against both gram-negative and
gram-positive bacteria. They provide urine and high-tissue concentrations
and are actively secreted in reduced renal function.
Comments
Commonly Used Antimicrobial Agents in the
Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) (Continued)
Infectious Diseases
2 DS tablets
1 DS tablet
250 mg
400 mg
250 mg
6 × 500 mg
500 mg
500 mg
100 mg
100 mg
3g
1 DS tablet
100 mg
400 mg
250–500 mg
250 mg
500 mg
50 mg
100 mg
1
/2 SS tablet
1 DS tablet
1g
100 mg
1 DS tablet
500 mg
250 mg
500 mg
TMP-SMX
TMP-SMX
Ciprofloxacin
Norfloxacin
Levofloxacin
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin-clavulanate
TMP
Nitrofurantoin
Fosfomycin
TMP-SMX
TMP
Norfloxacin
Ciprofloxacin
Levofloxacin
Amoxicillin-clavulanate
Nitrofurantoin
TMP
TMP-SMX
TMP-SMX
Azithromycin
Doxycycline
TMP-SMX
Ciprofloxacin
Levofloxacin
Amoxicillin-clavulanate
Lower tract Infections
Uncomplicated
Single dose
Twice a day
Twice a day
Twice a day
Once a day
Single dose
Twice a day
Every 8 hours
Twice a day
Every 6 hours
Single dose
Twice a day
Twice a day
Twice a day
Twice a day
Once a day
Every 8 hours
Once a day
Once a day
Once a day
Twice a day
Single dose
Twice a day
Twice a day
Twice a day
Once a day
Every 8 hours
Interval
548
aDosing
DS, double strength; SS, single strength; TMP, trimethoprim; TMP-SMX, trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole.
intervals for normal renal function.
Acute pyelonephritis
Acute urethral syndrome
Failure of TMP-SMX
Recurrent infections
Complicated
Dosea
Antibiotic
Overview of Outpatient Antimicrobial Therapy
for Lower Tract Infections in Adults
Indications
TABLE 50-4
1 day
3 days
3 days
3 days
3 days
1 day
3 days
3 days
3 days
3 days
1 day
7–10 days
7–10 days
7–10 days
7–10 days
7–10 days
7–10 days
6 months
6 months
6 months
3 days
1 day
7 days
14 days
14 days
14 days
14 days
Duration
• Table 50-4 presents an overview of various therapeutic options for outpatient therapy for UTI.
• Table 50-5 describes empiric treatment regimens for selected clinical
situations.
Fluoroquinolones
Ciprofloxacin
Levofloxacin
Aztreonam
Agent
TABLE 50-3
SECTION 8
Gram-positive bacteria
E. coli
Proteus mirabilis
Klebisella pneumoniae
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Enterococcus faecalis
E. coli
K. pneumoniae
Proteus spp.
P. aeruginosa
E. coli
1. Trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole × 4–6 weeks
2. Quinolone × 4–6 weeks
1. Quinolone × 14 days (A, II)a
2. Trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (if susceptible) × 14 days (B, II)a
1. Amoxicillin or amoxicillin-clavulanic acid × 14 days (B, III)a
1. Quinolone × 14 days (B, III)a
2. Extended-spectrum penicillin plus aminoglycoside (B, III)a
Short-course therapy more effective than single dose
β-Lactams as a group are not as effective in acute cystitis than
trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole or the fluoroquinolonesa
1. Trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole × 3 days (A, I)a
2. Fluoroquinolone × 3 days (A, II)a
3. Nitrofurantion × 7 days (B, I)a
4. β-Lactams × 3 days (E, III)a
1. Amoxicillin-clavulanate × 7 days
2. Cephalosporin × 7 days
3. Trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole × 7 days
Acute prostatitis may require IV therapy initially
Chronic prostatitis may require longer treatment periods or surgery
Severity of illness will determine duration of IV therapy; culture results
should direct therapy
Oral therapy may complete 14 days of therapy
Can be managed as outpatient
Avoid trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole during third trimester
Comments
Treatment Recommendation
Strength of recommendations: A, good evidence for; B, moderate evidence for; C, poor evidence for and against; D, moderate against; E, good evidence against. Quality of evidence: I, at least one proper randomized, controlled study; II, one well-designed clinical
trial; III, evidence from opinions, clinical experience, and expert committees.
Data from Warren JW, Abrutyn E, Hebel JR, et al. Surviving sepsis campaign guidelines for management of severe sepsis and septic shock. Crit Care Med 2004;32:858–873.
a
Prostatitis
Complicated
Acute pyelonephritis
Uncomplicated
As above
Escherichia coli
Staphylococcus saprophyticus
Pregnancy
Pathogens
Empirical Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections and Prostatitis
Acute uncomplicated cystitis
TABLE 50-5
Diagnosis
|
Infectious Diseases
Yes
Clinical cure
Clinical cure
Recurrence
Infrequent episodes
Treat each episode
Frequent episodes
Consider suppressive
therapy postcoital therapy
Reinfection
Negative
Positive
550
FIGURE 50-1. Management of urinary tract infections in females.
Urologic work-up
Relapse
Retreat 2 wk
Symptomatic abacteriuria
Urine culture
2 wk posttherapy
Positive
Urine culture
Clinical failure
Short-course therapy
No
Negative
Hospitalization
parenteral antibiotics
Acutely ill
high-risk patient
Oral therapy 2 wk
No
Obtain urine culture
Yes
No
Symptomatic abacteriuria
Significant bacteriuria
Upper tract symptoms
acute pyelonephritis
Yes
Urinalysis/Gram stain
Lower tract symptoms
Acute Uncomplicated Cystitis
• These infections are predominantly caused by E. coli, and antimicrobial
therapy should be directed against this organism initially. Other causes
include S. saprophyticus and occasionally K. pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis.
• Because the causative organisms and their susceptibilities are generally
known, a cost-effective approach to management is recommended that
includes a urinalysis and initiation of empiric therapy without a urine
culture (Fig. 50-1).
• Short-course therapy (3-day therapy) with trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole or a fluoroquinolone (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, or norfloxacin) is superior to single-dose therapy for uncomplicated infection and
SECTION 8
551
Complicated Urinary Tract Infections
Acute Pyelonephritis
• The presentation of high-grade fever (greater than 38.3°C [100.9°F]) and
severe flank pain should be treated as acute pyelonephritis, and aggressive
management is warranted. Severely ill patients with pyelonephritis should
be hospitalized and IV drugs administered initially. Milder cases may be
managed with oral antibiotics in an outpatient setting.
• At the time of presentation, a Gram stain of the urine should be performed, along with urinalysis, culture, and sensitivities.
• In the mild to moderately symptomatic patient for whom oral therapy is
considered, an effective agent should be administered for at least a 2-week
period, although use of highly active agents for 7 to 10 days may be
sufficient. Oral antibiotics that have shown efficacy in this setting include
trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole or fluoroquinolones. If a Gram stain
reveals gram-positive cocci, Streptococcus faecalis should be considered and
treatment directed against this pathogen (ampicillin).
• In the seriously ill patient, the traditional initial therapy has included an IV
fluoroquinolone, an aminoglycoside with or without ampicillin, or an
extended-spectrum cephalosporin with or without an aminoglycoside.
• If the patient has been hospitalized in the last 6 months, has a urinary
catheter, or is in a nursing home, the possibility of P. aeruginosa and
enterococci infection, as well as multiply-resistant organisms, should be
considered. In this setting, ceftazidime, ticarcillin-clavulanic acid, piperacillin, aztreonam, meropenem, or imipenem, in combination with an
Asymptomatic Bacteriuria
• The management of asymptomatic bacteriuria depends on the age of the
patient and, if female, whether she is pregnant. In children, treatment should
consist of conventional courses of therapy, as described for symptomatic
infections.
• In the nonpregnant female, therapy is controversial; however, it appears
that treatment has little effect on the natural course of infections.
• Most clinicians feel that asymptomatic bacteriuria in the elderly is a benign
disease and may not warrant treatment. The presence of bacteriuria can be
confirmed by culture if treatment is considered.
Symptomatic Abacteriuria
• Single-dose or short-course therapy with trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole has been used effectively, and prolonged courses of therapy are not
necessary for the majority of patients.
• If single-dose or short-course therapy is ineffective, a culture should be
obtained.
• If the patient reports recent sexual activity, therapy for Chlamydia trachomatis should be considered (azithromycin 1 g as a single dose or
doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 7 days).
should be the treatment of choice. Amoxicillin or sulfonamides are not
recommended because of the high incidence of resistant E. coli. Follow-up
urine cultures are not necessary in patients who respond.
Urinary Tract Infections and Prostatitis | CHAPTER 50
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Infectious Diseases
Clinical cure
Prostatic source
treat for 6 wk
Yes
No
Positive
Consider long-term
supression/surgery
Negative
No further treatment
Repeat urine culture
Treat for prostatic source
6 wk of therapy
• Repeat urine culture
• Consider urologic evaluation
Clinical cure
Treat for 2 wk
• Complicated infection
• Urine culture
No
552
FIGURE 50-2. Management of urinary tract infections in males.
No further workup
Negative
Positive
Followup urine culture
2 wk posttherapy
• Hospitalization
• Parenteral antibiotics
2 wk
Yes
Signs of acute
prostatitis or
pyelonephritis
Lower tract symptoms
Urinary Tract Infections in Males
• The conventional view is that therapy in males requires prolonged treatment (Fig. 50-2).
• A urine culture should be obtained before treatment, because the cause of
infection in men is not as predictable as in women.
• If gram-negative bacteria are presumed, trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole
or a fluoroquinolone is a preferred agent. Initial therapy is for 10 to 14
aminoglycoside, is recommended. If the patient responds to initial combination therapy, the aminoglycoside may be discontinued after 3 days.
• Follow-up urine cultures should be obtained 2 weeks after the completion
of therapy to ensure a satisfactory response and to detect possible relapse.
SECTION 8
553
Catheterized Patients
• When bacteriuria occurs in the asymptomatic, short-term catheterized
patient (less than 30 days), the use of systemic antibiotic therapy should be
withheld and the catheter removed as soon as possible. If the patient
becomes symptomatic, the catheter should again be removed, and treatment as described for complicated infections should be started.
• The use of prophylactic systemic antibiotics in patients with short-term
catheterization reduces the incidence of infection over the first 4 to 7 days.
Urinary Tract Infection in Pregnancy
• In patients with significant bacteriuria, symptomatic or asymptomatic,
treatment is recommended in order to avoid possible complications
during the pregnancy. Therapy should consist of an agent with a relatively
low adverse-effect potential (a sulfonamide, cephalexin, amoxicillin,
amoxicillin/clavulanate, nitrofurantoin) administered for 7 days.
• Tetracyclines should be avoided because of teratogenic effects, and sulfonamides should not be administered during the third trimester because of
the possible development of kernicterus and hyperbilirubinemia. Also, the
fluoroquinolones should not be given because of their potential to inhibit
cartilage and bone development in the newborn.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Recurrent Infections
• Recurrent episodes of UTI (reinfections and relapses) account for a
significant portion of all UTIs.
• These patients are most commonly women and can be divided into two
groups: those with fewer than two or three episodes per year and those who
develop more frequent infections.
• In patients with infrequent infections (i.e., fewer than three infections per
year), each episode should be treated as a separately occurring infection.
Short-course therapy should be used in symptomatic female patients with
lower tract infection.
• In patients who have frequent symptomatic infections, long-term prophylactic antimicrobial therapy may be instituted (see Table 50-4). Therapy is
generally given for 6 months, with urine cultures followed periodically.
• In women who experience symptomatic reinfections in association with
sexual activity, voiding after intercourse may help prevent infection. Also,
self-administered, single-dose prophylactic therapy with trimethoprim–
sulfamethoxazole taken after intercourse has been found to significantly
reduce the incidence of recurrent infection in these patients.
• Women who relapse after short-course therapy should receive a 2-week
course of therapy. In patients who relapse after 2 weeks, therapy should be
continued for another 2 to 4 weeks. If relapse occurs after 6 weeks of
treatment, urologic examination should be performed, and therapy for 6
months or even longer may be considered.
days. For recurrent infections in males, cure rates are much higher with a
6-week regimen of trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole.
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Infectious Diseases
Clinical Presentation of Bacterial Prostatitis
554
Signs and symptoms
Acute bacterial prostatitis: High fever, chills, malaise, myalgia, localized pain (perineal, rectal, sacrococcygeal), frequency, urgency, dysuria, nocturia, and retention
Chronic bacterial prostatitis: Voiding difficulties (frequency, urgency, dysuria), low back pain, and perineal
and suprapubic discomfort
Physical examination
Acute bacterial prostatitis: Swollen, tender, tense, or indurated gland
Chronic bacterial prostatitis: Boggy, indurated (enlarged) prostate in most patients
Laboratory tests
Bacteriuria
Bacteria in expressed prostatic secretions
TABLE 50-6
• The clinical presentation of bacterial prostatitis is presented in Table 50-6.
• Digital palpation of the prostate via the rectum may reveal a swollen,
tender, warm, tense, or indurated prostate. Massage of the prostate will
express a purulent discharge, which will readily grow the pathogenic
organism. However, prostatic massage is contraindicated in acute bacterial
prostatitis because of a risk of inducing bacteremia and associated pain.
• CBP is characterized by recurrent UTIs with the same pathogen.
• Urinary tract localization studies are critical to the diagnosis of CBP.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND DIAGNOSIS
• The exact mechanism of bacterial infection of the prostate is not well
understood. The possible routes of infection include ascending infection of
the urethra, reflux of infected urine into prostatic ducts, invasion by rectal
bacteria through direct extension or lymphatic spread, and by hematogenous
spread.
• Gram-negative enteric organisms are the most frequent pathogens in acute
bacterial prostatitis. E. coli is the predominant organism, occurring in 75%
of cases.
• CBP is most commonly caused by E. coli, with other gram-negative
organisms isolated much less often.
PATHOGENESIS AND ETIOLOGY
• Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland and surrounding tissue
as a result of infection. It can be either acute or chronic. The acute form is
characterized by a severe illness characterized by a sudden onset of fever
and urinary and constitutional symptoms. Chronic bacterial prostatitis
(CBP) represents a recurring infection with the same organism (relapse).
Pathogenic bacteria and significant inflammatory cells must be present in
prostatic secretions and urine to make the diagnosis of bacterial prostatitis.
PROSTATITIS
In long-term catheterized patients, however, antibiotics only postpone the
development of bacteriuria and lead to emergence of resistant organisms.
SECTION 8
555
See Chap. 120, Urinary Tract Infections and Prostatitis, authored by Elizabeth
A. Coyle and Randall A. Prince, for a more detailed discussion of this topic.
• The majority of patients can be managed with oral antimicrobial agents,
such as trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole or the fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin). When IV treatment is necessary, IV to oral
sequential therapy with trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole or a fluoroquinolone, such as ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin, would be appropriate.
• The total course of therapy should be 4 weeks, which may be prolonged to
6 to 12 weeks with chronic prostatitis.
• Parenteral therapy should be maintained until the patient is afebrile and less
symptomatic. The conversion to an oral antibiotic can be considered if the
patient has been afebrile for 48 hours or after 3 to 5 days of IV therapy.
• The choice of antibiotics in CBP should include those agents that are capable
of crossing the prostatic epithelium into the prostatic fluid in therapeutic
concentrations and that also possess the spectrum of activity to be effective.
• Currently, the fluoroquinolones (given for 4 to 6 weeks) appear to provide
the best therapeutic option in the management of CBP.
TREATMENT
Urinary Tract Infections and Prostatitis | CHAPTER 50